On Pettaquamscutt Winter Speaker Series
Guided Walks
this Spring
Sunday, April 26
Audubon at Canonchet
Sunday, May 17
Pollinators and Migrating Birds
Posted April 2, 2026
2026 Spring Walks
Sunday Afternoon, April 19, 1:00 to 2:30
Vernal Pools at Canonchet
Join us for a fun in-person adventure exploring the unique vernal pools at Canonchet. Bruce Fellman, author of the Naturalist's Journal, will help us discover these seasonal wetlands and the frogs, toads, salamanders, and other creatures that call “wicked big puddles” home. Perfect for nature lovers and curious minds alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the great outdoors and learn something new.
We'll start with a brief introductory talk, illustrated with Bruce’s stunning photos and videos, inside the Metz Exhibit Hall at the South County Museum. Registration opens April 3. This event is free and open to the public. No need to print a ticket. To register click on this Eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vernal-pools-at-canonchet-tickets-1985678634248?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sunday Morning, April 26, 9:00 to 11:00
Audubon Comes to Canonchet
Join Rhode Island Audubon's Director of Properties, Laura Carberry, for a morning of bird watching. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious, this event offers learning for everyone. Don't miss out on spending a morning surrounded by beautiful wildlife and great company.
We'll meet in the parking lot at the South County Museum. Registration opens April 10. This event is free and open to the public. No need to print a ticket. Just register and come! To register, click this Eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/audubon-comes-to-canonchet-tickets-1985681591092?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sunday, Afternoon, May 17, 2:00 to 3:30
Spring Pollinators and Migrating
Birds Stopping By
Join Bruce Fellman, noted Naturalist, to soak up the sights and sounds of Canonchet. Explore vibrant blooms and the insects, from butterflies to bees and beetles to flower flies that pollinate them and catch the chirps and songs of all kinds of critters, especially the striking birds that may be stopping by during their annual May migration. It's a chance to connect with nature, enjoy the fresh air, and have a laid-back day outside. Bring your curiosity and maybe your camera and binoculars to capture the late-Spring action.
We will start with a brief introductory talk, illustrated with Bruce’s stunning photos and videos, inside the Metz Exhibit Hall at the South County Museum. Registration opens May 1. You don't need to print a ticket and the event is free.
To register, click on this Eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-pollinator-and-migrant-walk-tickets-1985680007355?aff=oddtdtcreator
On Pettaquamscutt 2026
Mark your calendar for Season 13 of On Pettaquamscutt, Presentations on the Environment and History of the Narrow River Watershed and join us for three great Sunday afternoon talks (all starting at 1:00) at the Narragansett Library at 25 Pier Marketplace.
January 25: Narrow River Preservation Association’s Jim Vogel and Craig Wood discuss “Dredging the Mouth of the Estuary: History, Current Conditions, Future Plans.” Registration begins January 18.
Aerial views show the changes at the mouth of Narrow River
from 2020 (left) to 2025.
February 22: The Tick Guy, Dr. Tom Mather, talks about tick behavior. The Tick Guy is sponsored by the Friends of Canonchet Farm. Registration begins February 15.
Tom Mather, the Tick Guy
March 29: South County Museum Executive Director Rebecca Kelly presents “Treasured Possessions: Objects from the Museum Collection.” Registration begins March 22.
Rebecca Kelly
On Pettaquamscutt is a collaboration between the Friends of Canonchet Farm, Narrow River Preservation Association, South County Museum, and the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library. All talks are free and open to the public. You can register at the library calendar page (https://narlib.org/calendar/) to reserve a seat. Registration will open the week before the presentation. For more information, visit OnPettaquamscutt.org.
Improving the Canonchet Farm Trail
In October, Friends of Canonchet Farm volunteers returned to working along the Canonchet Farm Trail, removing invasive vegetation and making the trail safer and more enjoyable. The work continues every Saturday (whether permitting through the spring, when work shifts back to restoration of the area along Lake Canonchet and Little Neck Pond.
- Read Alan Woodmansee's description of the project as a URI Master Gardener Direct Education Project in an article adapted from from the Master Gardener newsletter.
Please meet at the Friends of Canonchet Farm trailer located on the grounds of the South County Museum at the end of Strathmore Street, which is off Kingstown Road in Narragansett. We will gather at 9 a.m. and walk to the area of the trail where we will be removing privet, multiflora rose, bittersweet and other invasive plants. As always, we provide tools, snacks, drinks, gloves, instruction and fun. You'll meet wonderful people who share your concern for the preservation and improvement of Canonchet Farm.